Welcome to Wizards Words! This is the first of many updates we’ll be providing to members outlining some of the activities at Northside Wizards Basketball (NWB), especially as we head towards our own ‘home’ at Zillmere.  I’ll provide you with more information on this below.

Firstly I’d like to welcome the players and families who are new to basketball or to Northside Wizards, we hope you are enjoying it.  Northside Wizards has over 2700 active playing members, comprising approx. 150 junior teams, 110 senior teams and our Aussie Hoops kids. Our aim is to provide a great basketball experience for all, together with development pathways for those who take their basketball a bit more seriously.

The summer season for clubs is in full swing with a lot of enthusiasm being shown around the courts.  After the close battles during the championship season, everyone seems a bit more relaxed and the teams play with a lot more freedom during the summer season which creates a great vibe around the place.

This year, Northside Wizards Basketball (NWB) has 12 teams representing the Association in the U16, U18 and U21 age groups in the Basketball Queensland Junior Basketball Competition (BQJBC) competing against the best players from the other Associations across South East Queensland. The first full series of games have now been played for the year with all teams, players and coaches doing Wizards proud.  All age groups have had teams competing in Premier League which is a terrific achievement, with all teams battling hard in their respective divisions. I encourage everyone to get down to Boondall or Brendale to support our teams and see the depth and talent of our young athletes when we restart on 2nd February 2019.

Exciting times are ahead for NWB off the courts as well, most notably the construction of the 5 court Zillmere Indoor Sports Centre.  Planning and design is proceeding well with the State Government and we are working towards a target start date for the new facility of January 2020.  Build and construction is scheduled to commence approx. May 2019.  Further updates will be posted as progress continues.

You may also have seen a recent Northside Wizards job advertisement seeking to recruit a development officer.  Working closely with our coaching director, the development officer will focus on programs for our younger age groups (Aussie Hoops through to Under 13), and provide further support for our club-level coaches.

There are many other projects currently under discussion across various areas of the Association.  Stay tuned and we’ll continue to share information on major initiatives and timeframes as they are firmed up.

Best Regards
Brett Anderson
President
Northside Wizards Basketball